Paris Junior College Celebrates 39th Creative Writing Awards

Talented writers were honored at the 39th year of the Paris Junior College writing awards on Wednesday.

“This ceremony gives us a chance to recognize and encourage our students in their writing endeavors,” said organizer and PJC English instructor Marsha Dennis.

David King of Quinlan received the Outstanding Student in English. Stephanie Bradford, from Sulphur Springs, was named Outstanding Student in a Foreign Language and Iliana Chakarova, from Bansko, Bulgaria, received Outstanding Student in English as a Second Language.

Dometreus LaWayne “Bo” Pruitt of Paris was named Journalism Student of the Year, for the second year in a row. Taylor McCloure of Pattonville received The Paris News Scholarship of $500.

Swingers of Birches, the anthology of first prize-winning entries published by the Communications and Fine Arts Division and produced by the PJC Print Shop, was distributed at the reception following the awards ceremony. To receive a copy, contact the English Department.

Cutline: The 39th year of the Paris Junior College creative writing awards was held Wednesday, April 16. Top award winners are shown, from left: Stephanie Bradford of Sulphur Springs, Outstanding Student in a Foreign Language; Iliana Chakarova of Bansko, Bulgaria, Outstanding Student in English as a Second Language; David King of Quinlan, Outstanding Student in English; Dometreus LaWayne“Bo” Pruitt of Paris, Journalism Student of the Year. Taylor McCloure of Pattonville, The Paris News Scholarship of $500. First place submissions are compiled into the anthology, Swingers of Birches.